2 face felony counts

Unrelated burglaries land multiple charges

MANISTIQUE – Two Manistique men will face charges relating to separate burglary incidents in the Manistique area.

According to a press release from Manistique Public Safety, Aaron Elmer Baker III, 44, was arrested following an investigation into the burglary and theft of a safe from a home located on Arbutus Avenue in Manistique on Oct. 14.

Baker was arraigned in 93rd District Court on Oct. 24 and charged with four felonies: first degree home invasion with intent to commit larceny, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000; safe breaking, punishable by up to life in prison; and larceny in a building, punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. He also faces a habitual offender – fourth offense charge.

Baker’s bond is set at $50,000 cash or surety, and he currently remains in the Schoolcraft County Jail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 7.

In an unrelated case, Manistique Public Safety officers also arrested Russell Lee St. John, 31, following investigation into a burglary from a residence on North First Street on Sept. 12.

Upon his arraignment in 93rd District Court, St. John was charged with three felonies: second degree home invasion, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $3,000; larceny in a building, punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000; and possession of less than 25 grams of a Schedule 2 controlled substance, punishable by up to four years. St. John will also face a habitual offender – fourth offence charge.

Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety, and St. John currently remains in the Schoolcraft County Jail. He recently waived his right to a preliminary examination and was automatically bound over to 11th Circuit Court.

According to Manistique Public Safety Director Ken Golat, the officers participating in both investigations, particularly Officer Tim Russell, the lead investigator in both cases, did an “outstanding job”.

No further information on either investigation is being released at this time.